More and more people are into giving personalized presents these days because they feel that these are more meaningful especially if these are meant to people that matter to them. If you are throwing a party and you're thinking of an extraordinary party favor to give out, and then try making a quilt.

One of the most sought-after handmade presents these days are special items such as quilts because of its uniqueness. In fact, quilts have been converted into so many things and in most art stores and galleries, more and more items are being inspired from quilts.

One of the most popular quilt designs out there that are being given as part favors are the t-shirt quilts. In fact, this has become a trend not only to artists but also to people who would want to give something unique and beautiful. Aside from being its unique concept, t-shirt quilts also became a popular gift when it is turned into a memory t-shirt quilt.

Many people are fond of giving memory t-shirt quilts because these exude personal touch and sincerity. Since it contains personal items such as pieces of cloth and fabric that have sentimental value, t-shirt quilts have become a very touching gift to be given and received.

Making one

If you want your part favor to be more personal, it is best if you make it with your own hands. Making a t-shirt is easy as long as you have materials that you need. These include a set of pins, a set of rotary cutters, a box full of sewing needles that come in different sizes, different-colored threads, special quilting needles, extra fabric that will be used for backing, a pair of scissors, different types of fabrics and shirts, cardboard, batting, rulers, a sewing machine, irons, and a quilt frame. Here are step by step directions that you can follow:

- Know the size of the t-shirt quilt you want to make. This can be determined by how many t-shirts you would want to include in the quilt.

- Collect the t-shirts to be used and clean them. Once you have collected the shirts you want to include in the quilt, segregate them according to size, color, and design.

- Place the t-shirts according to size and design. By doing this, you can establish order and create a final design for the t-shirt quilt.

- Draft a square template using the cardboard and make an initial layout. This template will be used as a pattern on how the t-shirt should be cut.

- Finalize it. Using ties, quilt hoop or quilt frame, you can now make the final steps in the t-shirt quilt before giving it away.

If you are making a t-shirt quilt as a party favor, bear in mind that you should always plan the design ahead before you begin. This is to ensure that no material or fabric will go to waste and always consider the preferences of the guests that will be attending. If you don't have time to know all their preferences, opt for the more basics designs, colors, and styles.

If there is anything that would make a Christmas party stand out from the other Christmas parties held all over the world, it would be the party favors being given away on that event. From plastic toys and puzzles in birthday parties, party favors have rapidly evolved. Now, party favors have become a loot bag full of nice and expensive stuff. This is especially true with parties and events for adults. This however brought an image of expensiveness to an otherwise simple gesture of giving souvenirs for a party. And with the high prices of organizing a party, creating a costly swag bag is just not the priority. In fact, many do not give any at all.

But you don't have to put expensive stuff in your swag bag if you don't want to. For simple parties, you can give simple gifts that will just help make your guests remember the occasion. For instance, a party favor that consists of freshly picked flowers from your own garden will definitely be a hit in a Sweet Sixteen party. A mask made from paper plates and cans; can be part of a children's party swag bag. A fish in a small bowl can be a nice take away present for guests and entourage in a wedding reception. There are many things that you can give without adding significantly to your costs.

The key is in the budgeting. First, you need to consider what the party is for and what it celebrates. That will give you an idea on what appropriate gifts to buy as your party favor. If you can, you can choose stuff that will either remind the guests of the person who is celebrating an occasion or remind them of the occasion itself. A gift that will symbolize the occasion is also another way to think when looking for ideas for party favors. For instance, with a wedding reception, newlyweds can either give a compilation of their favorite songs together in a cd or potpourri wrapped in white cloth and veil. They can also give a pair of lovebirds or doves as party favors as these animals symbolize togetherness and love. 

Another important thing to consider is the function of the piece. Gone are the days when party favors consist of tiny glass sculptures and porcelain figures that will only rot in a box with the rest of the figurines that you got from other parties and reception. Because these are remembrances of occasions, few people will want to throw them however useless they are. Thus, they only serve to clutter houses. If you are going to give a party favor, make sure that it is something that the guest will be able to use in his or her daily life or in the immediate future. That way, your gift has a use besides serving as a souvenir.

Fortunately for those who have one too many figurines with names and dates on them, the trend towards giving these kinds of party favors is slowly fading. Now, people are more practical. Probably because they need to.

Seldom do people realize that food can be a special party favors they can give out during occasions. When talking about "handmade" items, foods are probably among the top choices this is because there is no way to prepare them but to use one's hands. Come special seasons such as parties, this is the top handmade gift choice to many people since these are potential staple items on the table.

Although it is still months before a party that you are about to prepare, it's never too early to think of the food items you can give out as party favors. As early as now, you can look for special sweets, tarts, candies, breads and bottled treasures in specialty stores or you can start learning how to make special homemade cookies that you can give to your spouse, friends, relatives, teachers, clients, associates or officemates when they attend your party.

Possible food ideas or items that you can give out as party favors include boxes of chocolates in various shapes, a selection of fruits, different arrangements of fruit baskets, traditional hampers that contain specialty foods and sweets such as breads and tarts in different shapes and sizes, and bottles of wine like sauvignon blanc dry white wine.

Delectable treats

If you want the party favors that you are about to give, choose more personalized or intimate that you can customize. Variations for food party favors include variations such as Wine and Gourmet food basket that contain gourmet pepper and poppy crackers, pacific smoked salmon with gourmet cheese spread with wine or a Sesame Crackers food gift which include a selection of garlic and cheese mix and chocolate drizzled almond biscotti and dark chocolate mint sticks with gourmet holiday coffee or bottle of chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon.

But, among the so-many possible food items ideal as party favors, cookies?in different shapes, flavors, and sizes?are always on top of the list. Here are some of the cookie basics you need to know before giving out as a party favor:

- Choose your recipients' favorite cookies. Knowing your recipients' favorite cookies will make it easier for you to buy or prepare your party favor. If not, opt for standard cookies favorites such as fresh ginger cookies, fruitcake cookies, holly cookies, and chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies.

- Make the presentation attractive. Be creative in packing your cookies by embossing it with ceramic, metal, or plastic stamps or molds or by adding special add-ons to the finished product such as colored sugar, finely chopped nuts, or colorful sprinkles. Make that you decorate the outside of your cookie container with distinctive labels, unique cards, and colorful stickers or wrapping paper.

- Maximize your effort. In making this handmade items as a party favor, try to give all you've got. If you are baking the cookies all by yourself, make sure that you prepare to bake a large selection of cookies by freezing several rounds of this dough in advance to achieve best output and best taste.

Holding parties for different occasions can be difficult financially. The cost of hosting events and parties are skyrocketing, take weddings for an example.  The wedding industry is earning millions of dollars every year from flowers, cakes, catering, and party favors.  Yearly occasions like holidays or birthday parties are also affected with continuous rise of prices. 

One great way of saving on party expenses are looking for alternatives.  So instead of buying ready-made party favors, you could start making your own.  Not only are they more inexpensive, you could also give your gifts a personal touch.  Party favors are given as a way of saying thank you to people who have celebrated with you and nothing would be better than to give thanks to them in a very personal way.

Party gifts do not have to cost too much.  With a little bit of creativeness and enthusiasm, you would surely be able to make something for the party.

In wedding celebrations, you could always have the groom and the bride make or design party give-a ways.  This would be a great outlet for your creativity and at the same impress your wedding guests with your style and creativity.  There are simple party favors that would not require too much of your time.  For example, you could give away dream or aromatherapy pillows or mini-glass candy jars.  You could put them in stylish boxes with ribbons and labels. 

Candies are great party give-a ways.  With candies, you could buy them in wholesale, which will help you save on costs.  You could put them in treat bags.  You could personalize these treat bags by using stickers and rubberstamps related to the theme of the party.  You could tie them with colorful ribbons.  Aside from party hats, you could look for different templates on the internet that can be worn during the party.  This is a wonderful idea for children's party and would even work for some adult parties who would like to have walk back in memory lane.

Another great idea is making photo calendars.  Everything is digital nowadays, it is rare to find actual pictures being printed. After the party, you could look for interesting pictures and great shots from everyone in the event.  You could ask help from other guests who also brought their camera and took some pictures. 

Actually, photo calendars are not that difficult to make.  There is software and programs being offered online where you could choose the calendar template that you want.  You could just insert the pictures and print them.  You could also visit the local printer and have it printed there. You could easily finish it within a week and send it out to your guests.  A personal note thanking them for coming to your party would surely make it touching.

Candles and candleholders are also great party favors.  You could easily use them in a room to lighten up its atmosphere.  You could give away unique and personal made candles; you could put them in wine, champagne or even martini glasses.  There are candle making kits which would provide what you need, including wax color and scent.  Pick out the best design that will match your party's theme.

Party favors do not have to be expensive or brought from an exclusive craft store.  Party favors are gifts that hosts give to their guests as a sign of saying thank-you.  Whether they were bought or handmade, it is the joy of sharing with other people your happiness is what is important.

Party favors are great for personally thanking all the guests that have celebrated an important moment with you.   This would make guests feel appreciated for their attendance and at the same their contribution.  Party favors would surely make guests take home a part of the party in the own houses.  But how do you make this kind of impact?

One of the most cost-efficient, simple and wonderful ideas for party favor, will be giving away food and treats.  Among the most popular food that could be given away in parties would be candies and cookies.

* Candy favors

Candies are great give-a ways, whether it is a children or adult parties.  You could put assorted and colorful candies in transparent and small jars.  You could decorate the box or the bag where you will be putting it and even including a thank-you note.

You could make personalized candies.  Remove the wrapper and create a new design on your computer.  You could include personalized messages like a greeting or a thank you.  Personalized candy wrappers are popular that there are companies who could design and make wrappers for you. But you could always do it on your own. Aside from being a party favor, you could also use them as invitation or announcement.

* Chocolates

Chocolate, another tasty treat that would make your party unforgettable.  You could always buy small chocolate ballotins that would have a couple of mouth-watering chocolates inside.  You could even have your chocolate favor customized depending on the occasion.   They are great for weddings and baby showers.  You could also customize the box where you will be placing the chocolate.  You could use simple ribbons to decorate.

* Cookies

The great thing about cookies is that they could make them thematic or artistic.  You could buy cookies with different designs, based on your party theme.   You could also put them in containers depicting the theme or the occasion being celebrated.  Cookies are great for the holidays. When giving cookie party favors, you could include the recipe, especially if it is for a personal recipe that people commends.

* Desserts

They could be a little expensive that other party favors, but they are surely worth giving.  You could give out specially made brownies or favorite dessert of the celebrant.  There are also foreign recipes that would make good dessert give-a ways.  An example would be the lazzaroni amaretti cookies which are popular Italian desserts.  You could buy them in bulk and just repack them creatively.

If you have a family recipe for dessert, you could share it with the guests.  You could even share a famous snack.  You could place them inside take-out boxes and design these boxes to suit the occasion.

* Wines and drinks

There are affordable celebration wines which could be bought for less than $12.00, like the Italian Proseco.  There are also cocktail drinks which can be given in special occasions. They could surely give your even a touch of class and elegance.  If you would like to spend less than that, then you could give coffee and tea assortments.  You could also personalize their packaging.

When giving away or having food party favors, always consider the theme, the occasion and of course, the budget.   You could even give away spices.  Bottom line is you give party favors to thank your guests and you would like to thank them in a special way. 

Although a certain event is synonymous to "present," it doesn't mean that is has to be an "expensive." For those who are tight on budget but would want to share something to the special people around them by giving out party favors, there are many inexpensive but great handmade gifts that would definitely put a smile on your recipient's lips.

Unleash your creativity

Indeed, the any special season?a birthday, Christmas, Valentine's, anniversary celebration, etc.?rekindles love, resurgence, and hope of people regardless of age, gender, or race. Aside from sharing love to the ones around you, these special events are also the perfect time to be creative and be resourceful.

Since you are on a tight budget, visiting stores on sale or bazaars can definitely help you find inexpensive items to give out as party favors. You can also create homemade and handmade items using inexpensive materials. Here's a short list of classy yet inexpensive items you can give out as party favors in any special occasion:

1. Personalized items. These are probably the most popular inexpensive handmade items of all times. Personalizing something like a recipe book for those who love cooking, a sketchpad for those who love drawing and sketching, a scrapbook for those who are fond of collecting and immortalizing memories, a notepad or journal for those who are inclined to writing, a photo album for those who love to keep photos, and the list goes on. Personalized items can be inexpensive because all you have to do is look for materials you can recycle. After recycling these items, you can add personal touches to it and give it away as a nice party favor:

2. Sweets and treats. Cookies, chocolate treats, and sweet breads are surefire party favors. If you can bake these goodies, you can save money compared to buying them. You can even warp these goodies yourself by using nice jars and boxes, by collecting nice and colorful gift wrappers or by tying them up with used ribbons, and laces.

3. Handmade or decorated ceramics, glasses, figurines, and cloth items. If you have an artistic knack, buy a plain set of white ceramic figurines, clear glasses or mugs and decorate them. By using a bottle of ceramic paint, you can decorate or color by hand the figurine. You can also draw season-inspired themes on clear glasses to make them extraordinary or you can buy a simple set of fabric paint to decorate mugs, shirts, and small cloth items.

4. Homemade bath oils and perfumes. These also make the ideal handmade items perfect as a cheap party favors?if you are into mixing fragrances. To save some money, try buying a large amount of perfume ingredients and create special fragrances, perfume or bath oil for your recipients. You can also purchase individual mini-bottles to put these pampering products in. If you do this, you can calculate and manipulate the amount of you can put in each bottles so you can give it to more people.

Most people today prefer handmade, practical gifts over the traditional ones because they feel that these exude sincerity and effort. For those who are planning to give items as party favors, opt for items that can help one to beautify his or her home. Whether you will do it by yourself or ask a crafts store to do it for you, there are so many handmade options for to choose from.

Party favors perfect for the home

Home décor accessories are the most common handmade items that people can give for those who love decorating their homes. This is because these will help the receiver in decorating their homes the easier and more practical way. How? If they will be receiving items from people that they can use, they can finalize the list of home accessories that they will need. This list is very important for the receiver because it will be easier for him or her to organize things inside the home once they start decorating.

If you are planning to throw a party and are thinking for a perfect party favor, the following are some of the major handmade home décor and accessories that will help the receiver to have a house that is more organized and great looking:

- Pillows. In living rooms and bedrooms, pillows indeed take a great part in the overall look of the house. This is because pillows soften empty corners of the bed as well of the chairs and sofas. The impact will be so much better if these are handmade. Today, there are so many types of pillows available in the market, you can choose from solid pillows, striped pillows, patterned pillows, floral pillows, floor pillows, rectangular pillows, and outdoor pillows.

- Wall décors. Whether it is framed or custom art, metal, or native, wall decors play an important role in making the house livelier because they fill empty walls and make them more pleasant to the eye. There are so many handmade wall decors available in the market today. These can be more appealing since they tend to be unique when it comes to style, material, and texture.

- Handmade area rugs. These play a major role in any home decoration because it serves as a main highlight in various parts of the house. Today, there are so many styles of area rugs that you can choose from depending on the need, taste, and preference of people. If you are giving these a handmade gift, consider choosing handmade braided rugs, oriental tugs, Persian rugs, contemporary rugs, or character rugs depending on the taste of the receiver.

- Unique handmade vases. Categorized into tabletop, floor, bud, and accent, vases play a very big role in the beautification of one's home because each kind can highlight a certain part of the house and make it more appealing to people living inside the house and to visitors as well. Aside from holding flowers and other things inside the home, vases can also serve as decorative and artistic pieces. If you are giving this as a party favor, consider the handmade ones from exotic places because these are indeed unique and very sentimental.

Although party favors is not exactly the life of the party, not as important as perhaps the food or the cake, it is still something that can make your party extra special and more memorable for your guests whether it is a children's party or a wedding reception. But with how the costs of food and other commodities are rising, some people are foregoing with the party favors to cut costs. This is for them vastly better than not organizing any party at all.

But there are ways to cut costs and still be able to provide your guests with party favors. One of them is to do the party favors yourself. By putting in some of your free time, you can save to as much as 70 percent of the cost, at the minimum, 50 percent. This is not bad considering how much figurines and children's toys are these days. Figurines are often used as party favors for adult parties while toys are used for kids' parties.

If you are not a crafty person however, doing your own party favor gift can seem daunting. Well, it does not have to be. Even with no experience, you can make your own. Just follow these steps:

1.  Choose a project

Depending on your budget, you must first choose a project that you feel you can do, whether it is decoupage, posters, music and video on cds or maybe even some knitting or woodwork. It is important that you first choose the project that you will do as it will be the basis of your design and concept. In choosing a project, make sure that you also take into account the time frame on which you will do the project. If your son's birthday bash is already the day after tomorrow, knitting and woodwork are already out. They are more complicated to do and will take a lot of time in accomplishing.

2. Gather the materials

Once you have chosen the project, you can then scout for materials that will help you complete it. There are craft stores all around the country that you can go to. Often, their stores will have everything you ever need from wrappers to glue guns. You can also look inside your house and check out stuff that you can recycle and use as a party favor material.

If you have time, it is best to wait for sales and discounts because they will probably be selling stuff that you need at half the price. That way, you can further save up. This is the reason why it is good to plan ahead for a party.

3. Package it.

When you really come to think a about it, people often do not remember what the gift is unless it is truly remarkable. What people do remember though is the packaging for these gifts. This is why it is also important to wrap your party favors with a nice material so that it will not look cheap even if it is not purchased but only made.

Most people do not think that party favors are important when organizing parties. Before maybe when the country is not in recession but now with the rising costs and uncertain times, it is no longer practical to burn money over something that is basically useless.

But this should not be the case. Party favors need not be something that guests will just store in their attic and forget after just days. They can be functional items that guests can make use of around the house. In these practical times, it is also good to be also practical. Your guests will not only remember your party when they use it, they will even thank you for it because they are using the party favors that you have given them. Although some people are still stuck with the little statuettes and figurines, a lot of people are already getting caught up in the trend of giving party favors that are actually functional around the house or the office. 

But how can you do that, buy a beautiful and functional party favor while still staying close to your budget? Well, there are ways and here are some of them:

1.  Use what you already have

There are many ways that you can save from your costs while still making sure that you give the best party favor possible. One of the ways is to take items that you already have and turn them into gift items. This will of course take considerable amount of time as well and craft knowhow. You can also make your own gifts by knitting or woodwork. You can use extra rolls of yarn that you have in the house or pieces of plywood that are rotting in the garage. The possibilities are endless.

2.  Go for sales and promos

With these tough times more and more shops are offering discounts. So it is not wise to actually buy items in their full price. Wait for sales and promos because shops will surely offer them. This is of course granted that you have time to wait. Thus, it is important that you plan ahead of time so that you will have the luxury of time to still wait for promos. This will not only help you in cutting your costs for your party favors but also for everything that you need for your party including the food and the drinks.

3.  Buy in bulk and try thrifts hops

As much as you can, buy items in bulk. You can also go to thrift shops that sell surplus. These will be vastly cheaper and being surpluses they are not exactly pre-owned. They will even be made of good quality materials. Do not be worried that items are not the same for everyone else. They need not be matching just in the same price range and of the same kind. As much as you can try to also stick to the same color palette so that it will not be so evident that they are different.